Types of dances taught in the club and in general. What types of dances are there: Detailed list and overview of directions

Modern dances have hundreds of styles, elements of which were created both in the present and in the past. The current trends have retained the aesthetic appeal of the movements, but at the same time they have become faster. They, like the rest of art, reflect the realities of our time and fashion trends.

What is modern dance?

This section includes different types, as well as variations of this art. Among the new directions, the following names stand out: modern dance:

    contemporary;

    folk;

    other more youthful hip-hop dances and so on.

Modern dance choreography is usually much more complex. It includes all existing elements and pas. In order to create new dance, you have to connect the old ones piece by piece.

Jazz dance

It is rightfully considered one of the very first among other modern variations. The history of this dance began at the very end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th century in the USA. Since then, he has successfully conquered all continents of the world.

In turn, completely new types of modern dances emerged from it. They differ not only in music and movements, but also in the concept itself.

Jazz movements:

    jazz classics;

  • freestyle;

All directions are similar to each other in only one way - they retain the chic of the roaring twenties. They are full of enthusiasm and cheerful music. In all these dances there is something from the Great Gatsby, from the luxury with which the aristocrats of that time surrounded themselves, and the passion with which the poor lived in the American ghettos.

Soul is considered one of the youngest on the list. A varied number of fast movements are performed per beat.

But flash jazz is more reminiscent of such types of modern dance as ballet.

Thanks to him, many different fashion trends have appeared in the world. As a rule, they quickly became obsolete and were characterized by mass interest.

Ballroom dancing

Modern ballroom dance is no longer the same dance that was previously performed during formal receptions. Like a view contemporary art it combines some elements of old-time, traditional folk, ephemera and jazz.

During competitions, ballroom dancers usually show their skills in both European and Latin American styles of dance, which also belong to the ballroom type.

Names of modern dances in Latin American style:

  • paso doble;

In European:

All these directions are performed in pairs. Dancers wear special costumes. All their movements are coordinated and identical to the movements of their partner.

These turns are performed in a room specially designated for them. Traditional ballroom European dances are performed to classical music.

Modern and contemporary

The dance appeared on the basis of the classical one. Nevertheless, modernity seemed to rebel against any rules that exist in the classics. Each movement in this direction carries a certain philosophical meaning.

Dancers don't just have to hit the main beat. They search for several rhythms in one melody at once and try to adapt to them.

The names of modern dances - modern and contemporary - are often classified in the same area. Both of these types may be involved in modern theatrical productions, where they tell a whole story.

This type of dance combines many various directions. In it, the performer seeks to express his own emotions and convey his state. Contemporary is most often associated with classical ballet, from which the dance takes its origins.

Folk dances

Despite the fact that folk dances are difficult to classify as modern, they continue to remain just as popular and in demand. This direction supports old traditions, introducing elements native culture into art.

Russian modern dances contain both devotion to the history and past of their people, and completely new dance movements. They are popular not only among the older generation, but also among young people. Folk dances are performed to the accompaniment of appropriate music produced using ethnic instruments. The performers wear traditional outfits.

At the same time, modern pop dances can include elements of folk, jazz, sports, and ballroom.

Break

It first appeared in America in the twentieth century. It is divided into such types of modern dances as lower and upper. During the low break, the performer can rotate on his head, jump on his hands, and spin his legs in a one-arm stand.

The top break is usually characterized by plastic movements. This dance is performed to a specific type of music. There is a subculture in which this type of art develops.

Belly dance

It can be classified as folk dance to some extent. Raks Sharqi, or belly dance, was born in Muslim countries. It was performed in eastern harems to delight the gaze of the ruler. Modern Muslim women dance it in front of their husbands.

Of course, dancing is best for lovers. But, nevertheless, it helps to develop grace, eliminates excess weight, and helps eliminate some female diseases. Modern dances for children can also include it. Little girls are more flexible, and certain movements will go well with youth and enthusiasm. Belly dancing has several national directions. They are all good for health.

Modern dances for children

Children need to be taught the art of choreography from the very beginning. early age. From two or three years to private dance schools recruiting first students. There they are first introduced to basic movements, are working on plastic surgery. Children learn easily. In addition, they can remember the main differences between different styles and movements that are typical for ballroom or jazz dancing.

In game versions, children are taught classic stances, hand position, and head rotation.

Teachers allow you to create your own movements, thus developing the child’s imagination.

Modern dances for children form basic knowledge about this art, introduce them to history, and teach the perception of music.

Of all the existing options, they try to choose ballroom ones. They combine more classic movements and a variety of styles.

The music to which all types of modern dances are performed can be selected to suit the tastes of children and modern fashion.

Another effect of these classes is the feeling of one’s own Self, one’s beauty. The child sees that he is beginning to cope with the assigned tasks, that he looks beautiful while performing.

Dancing breaks down psychological barriers. They liberate a person, make him more self-confident, and therefore open to others.

Modern dances perform the following functions:

    children become more cheerful and confident in their abilities;

    posture is corrected;

    gait becomes better;

    fine motor skills and dexterity improve;

    coordination of movements is improved;

    endurance increases;

    perseverance appears in achieving the goal set for oneself;

    Problems with his own inferiority disappear, the child understands that he is better than he thought about himself.

What type of activity would be a good way to keep yourself energized and have fun at the same time? Of course it's dancing! For some it is just a passion and favorite hobby, for others it is a profession, and for others it is a way to gain new skills and gain self-confidence. If you want to join the ranks of dancers and choose a dance to your liking, we will tell you what types of modern dances are especially popular now.

Waltz

This graceful and elegant dance was first presented to the public in mid-19th century and spread widely thanks to music famous composer Johann Strauss. It is characterized by slow, fluid movements and long turns. Waltzing couples look as if they are gliding effortlessly across the parquet floor.

Now the waltz is considered the gold standard of ballroom dance and its most common style for learning among the population.

Tango

Perhaps everyone has heard about such a reverent dance as Argentine tango. The popularity of tango in the 21st century has only increased thanks to its popularization in the films “Let's Dance,” “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” “Scent of a Woman” and others. In tango, a man and a woman show their passion and express deep feelings to each other.

The movements in this dance are free, rhythmic and sharp. Tango is considered one of the most passionate dances due to the nature of the music that accompanies it and the intimacy of the dance between partners.

Foxtrot

A beautiful romantic dance that has become one of the most popular ballroom dancing in history. It is based on fairly simple combinations of slow and fast dance steps, walking and lateral, and is characterized by ease and fluidity of movement.

Foxtrot is danced mainly to swing music, although you can experiment with musical accompaniment.

Rumba

Rumba is considered one of the sexiest ballroom dances and, in addition, is also popular social dance- one that is used not only in the program of dance competitions, but also as a form of leisure. Rumba is characterized by very slow, fluid movements of the hips and heavy offensive steps.

This dance is interesting to watch, because it is built on passion and sensuality, and carries the theme of flirting: a woman in the dance flirts with a man, and then rejects him, but the man still tries to win her heart.

Salsa

This type of modern dance came from Cuba. Sensual and energetic salsa can be performed with improvisational elements, but usually the choreography is done in advance. It is most often danced to salsa music, although many people also dance it to Latin music.

Salsa, in turn, is divided into other types: linear and circular. The first is danced along one line, and the second around its axis.

Paso Doble

The paso doble depicts a bullfight - a man plays the role of a fearless matador, and a woman plays his cape, or less often, another matador or a bull. In the paso doble, there is one step for each count, which is reminiscent of the “one-two” marching steps, and in Spanish “paso doble” just means “double step.”

Paso Doble is characterized by theatricality and passion. The movements in this dance are sharp and clear, imbued with a sense of dignity, confidence and arrogance, with straight shoulders and a high head.

Belly dance

Belly dancing, or oriental dance, is popular not only in Arab countries and the Middle East, but also here. There are about 50 different styles oriental dance.

It's not only beautiful view dance, but also great way keep yourself in good shape thanks to the appropriate load on the abdominal muscles. This flexible type of dance is characterized by swaying hips, undulating movements of the abdomen and smooth movements of the arms.

Modern

Speaking about the types of modern dances, one cannot help but recall modern dance. It arose as an opposition to ballet and places more emphasis on the dancer's mood, emotions and his own interpretations than on structured choreography.

Modern music is often performed barefoot. It is also contrasted with ballet in that modern dancers often use the weight of their bodies in dance to emphasize some moment, drama - in ballet, dancers always keep themselves on their feet easily and smoothly.

Jazz

Jazz, along with modern, represents types of modern dances with a basis in the form of ballroom technique and is similar to it in that when performing this style, the dancer demonstrates his own originality and interprets all movements in his own unique style.

It is an energetic and fun dance, with unique movements, fancy footwork, big jumps and sharp turns, so a jazz dancer must have ballet training to achieve stability and grace in the movements.

Brakedance

The presented types of modern dances would be incomplete without hip-hop dance styles that originated from the corresponding musical direction, which appeared in the 1970s. Breakdancing was formed along with hip-hop music in the early stages of development and is the oldest of all hip-hop dances.

The component levels of this style are top-rock (runs before the lower level of breaking, performing elements on the floor), footwork (footwork), power moves (powerful rotational movements and twists) and freeze (the dancer freezes in some position for a while). All levels, in turn, consist of a wide variety of individual elements.

Performing this dance requires good physical fitness, endurance, flexibility and stretching.

Crump

Crump was formed in disadvantaged areas of the United States against the backdrop of street violence and robbery. It is generally accepted that krump is a fairly aggressive type of dance, although it rather expresses strength rather than aggression.

The movements in krump are sharp, concentrated, fast and very energetic. As in other hip-hop styles, krump dancers often organize dance matches - battles in which they compete in technique and general dance skill.

Locking

Locking owes its origins to the American dancer Don Campbell. One day he decided to show his friends how different styles he learned and began to dance improvisations, sometimes stopping when he didn’t know what else to do. These intermittent movements were called “locks”, and the style was called locking (from the English “lock” - “castle”).

In addition to such movements, this type of modern dance is characterized by splits and hand clapping.

Popping

Kinds modern hip-hop Popping also represents dancing - a style that appeared along with locking in the 70s of the last century.

The name comes from the English word “pop”, which means clap - the dancer compresses and unclenches his muscles while performing. different parts body, imitating a sharp shudder. Although the main movement of popping is the same “pop”, this dance is also divided into types, including many different techniques.

Reggaeton

Reggaeton is an incendiary dance mixture that contains such types of modern dances as dancehall, hip-hop and reggae. The style originally originated in Panama and Puerto Rico. The daring and erotic movements of reggaeton in Lately do not leave the public indifferent - in just a few years he achieved unprecedented popularity, and reggaeton groups in dance studios are jam-packed.

Ballroom, street, and many other types of modern dances do not lose their popularity and continue to win the attention of active people all over the world. If you also want to learn to dance, choose a direction based on your personal preferences in music, dance tempo and possible level physical activity required to master a specific dance style.

If for some dance is an opportunity for an interesting and pleasant pastime, then for others it is their whole life. Are you still looking for your dances? Then we suggest you just now familiarize yourself with the detailed list of the most popular destinations.

Modern dances - what are they?

It turns out that there are many different types of modern dances. Top most popular:

  • free dance;
  • swing;
  • Boogie Woogie;
  • contact improvisation;
  • contemp;
  • butoh;
  • Lindy Hop;
  • Charleston;
  • jive;
  • rock'n'roll;
  • tectonics;
  • belly dance;
  • pole dance;
  • Jazz Modern.

Features of free dance

This type is associated with the movement that arose back in the twentieth century to merge dances with life itself. It was in it that the principles on which such forms as jazz modern, modern, butoh and even contact improvisation were based were formed.

Everyone who at that time stood at the origins of the creation wanted to make it high art, which will be on equal terms with music and painting. They supported Nietzsche's idea that dance should represent freedom and a liberated spirit, allowing a person to open up to the maximum and become truly independent.

Swing

This type of dance is directly associated with African-American folk traditions. After some time, he gained popularity among the white-skinned population. Such dances are characterized by short, rhythmic body movements. In addition, jazz motifs can be traced here, which is also typical for dark-skinned peoples. There is a distinction between West Coast swing and California swing. The latter is considered more modern and popular.

Interestingly, in 1988, swing was named the official dance in California.

Loved by many pole danc

Seductive pole dancing is often chosen by both young girls and older women. Moreover, each lady has her own reasons for this. Some want to become even more attractive in the eyes of the men around them, while others want to correct their figure in this way. Even children as young as five years old can take up pool dancing. There are three options for performing the dance:

  • upper – tricks with elements of acrobatics are performed at the top of the pylon;
  • medium – circular rotations are performed, and plastic elements are also present;
  • lower - at this level, all elements should be done with a pylon on the floor.

Jazz-modern - what is special?

The term “modern” itself originated in the USA and denoted choreography on stage. Over time, he managed to displace other dance styles at that time. For the creators of modernism, it was important to create a direction in choreography that could meet spiritual needs modern man. The main principles here are the rejection of stereotypes, as well as the embodiment of new themes and ideas through dance. Another feature of Art Nouveau is performing barefoot.

In modernity there are sharply broken lines, roughness of forms and a desire to make clear the motives of certain human actions.

Belly dance

Who among us has not heard of belly dancing? It can be called one of the most popular and beloved, both among women and men. Some people like to dance, while others, accordingly, watch people dancing. However, few people know the history of this direction.

These dances are associated with eastern myths, beautiful girls who know how and love to dance for their men and not only.

In the modern world there are more than 50 styles of oriental dance from different schools. Chic woman suit to perform the dance is called bedla. Instead of a skirt, sometimes dancers wear equally spectacular bloomers. The entire outfit is usually decorated with beads, rhinestones, monists or pearls.

Rock'n'roll

This type of dance is no less popular than the others. It is characterized by fast, relaxed movements. This dance creates the mood for every dancer. It has a special zest and its own unique energy. It is worth noting that this type dance arose along with popular music. Dancing and music were popular among the black population.

This dance has a lot of lifts, a fast tempo and professional performance. Once trained, dancers fall in love with charismatic rock and roll forever.

Each dance has its own special energy, its own flavor and uniqueness. To decide which one is yours, you can try each of them. If you feel free and at ease while dancing, this is exactly what you were looking for.

A person uses oral and written language to express thoughts and feelings. But there are other ways to express yourself. One of the options for conveying experiences is dance. Through body movements accompanied by music or rhythm, a person shares his emotional state. Due to the variety of styles, there is a need to consider a list of dance styles and movements.

Anyone who studies a dance topic is faced with the question of what styles and directions exist. For a holistic understanding of what dance movements there are, it is necessary to consider dance from a retrospective point of view.

Choreographic art has very ancient origins. Initially, the movements contained exclusively sacred meaning. Rhythmic movements served to achieve a specific goal.

People tried to make it rain or demonstrate interest in the opposite sex. Over time, the dance acquired greater beauty and sophistication. The importance of musical accompaniment has increased.

The choreographic image of a particular nationality had characteristic features. Colorfulness was determined not only by movements, but also by unusual rhythmic sketches.

Each era has its own current dance styles. It is quite difficult to find folk choreography performed in everyday life. It has been preserved in its original form only on stage. Popular trends of our time include a variety of street and club dancing. The main thing that unites existing fashion trends is a new vision of body language.

Styles and directions

It is advisable to start studying the topic of dance styles and trends with a source such as Wikipedia. Among the dance styles, Wikipedia lists the following directions:

Acrobatic

Involves competition between competing athletes. Parameters for judging are technical skill and expressiveness of performance, taking into account the musical accompaniment.

The basis is particularly complex dance and acrobatic elements.

Ballet

The essence is a combination of movements in the form of a theatrical performance. The basis of the performance is the expression of the artist’s thoughts, emotions and feelings through plasticity, facial expressions, movements and gestures. The parameters for audience evaluation are expressiveness and grace. The target audience- the viewer and his reaction to what he saw.

Includes three categories: modern, romantic and classical. The basis for modern ballet is the classical ballet direction. Feature- lack of strict requirements and standards. Subcategories of modern ballet are contemporary, modern, postmodern and jazz-modern. The main requirement is the dancer's self-expression.

Ballroom

The target audience is the performing dancers themselves. Types of ballroom programs - standard and Latin. The standard includes tango, Viennese waltz, slow waltz, slow foxtrot, quickstep (or fast foxtrot). Latin includes rumba, samba, jive, cha-cha-cha, paso doble.

A prerequisite is the paired execution of the movements of a man and a woman. The ballroom movement includes ballroom sports (known as dance sports).

Historical

A general name for dance styles of past centuries present in the programs of modern dancers. The direction includes the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo, 19th and 20th centuries:

  • Medieval movements - estampi, sarabande, bergamasca, saltarello.
  • Renaissance - moreska, bass dances, cascades, country dances.
  • Baroque and Rococo - passier, minuet, bourre.
  • 19th century - Krakowiak, waltz, polka.
  • 20th century - foxtrot, tango, Lindy hall.

Folk (folklore)

The essence is a reflection of the traditions, character and customs of a certain nationality. Takes into account the rhythms, movements, and costumes characteristic of a particular area. The target audience is dancers and spectators. The basis of movements is imitation of animal behavior with the adoption of movements labor process in humans.

Related props - household accessories, musical instruments, weapon. Folklore direction includes:

  • polka,
  • lezginka,
  • gypsy girl
  • Czardas and others.

Latin American

Includes Argentine tango, bachata, mambo, lambada, merengue, salsa, flamenco, bolero, capoeira. The basis of bachata is a pair performance. Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that includes acrobatic elements and leg swings accompanied by musical accompaniment.

The essence of flamenco is a combination of hand clapping and foot stomping using castanets.

Ritual

Original meaning - transfer sacred meaning, rather than obtaining practical benefits. Percussion instruments were used as musical accompaniment.

There are several other common directions:

  1. Street. Area of ​​occurrence: dance parties, streets, schoolyards, parks, nightclubs. The essence is mass recreation within the city. The basis is an improvisational element combined with social interaction between dancers and the audience. Currents - popping, hip-hop, locking, breakdancing.
  2. Erotic. The main parameters for assessment are plasticity, expressiveness, self-expression. Currents are striptease and belly dancing.
  3. Variety. The essence is a stage performance. A special feature is a short performance in the form of a miniature.
  4. Swing. The basis is West African and African American traditions. The peculiarity is the rhythm of syncopation and jazz. Includes jive, Charleston, boogie-woogie, blues, rock and roll and other movements.
  5. Modern (or contemporary). The essence is the denial of traditions classical ballet. Represents a type of stage choreographic performance.
  6. Hustle. The essence is the performance of dance movements in pairs under musical accompaniment disco style. Includes jack-n-jill, freestyle, ladies hustle, sports hustle, show hustle, double hustle.

Styles for girls

The variety of trends prompts the question of which styles are suitable for girls.

Existing dance styles are in demand among both the stronger and fairer sexes. The main criteria for dancing for women and girls is learning plastic movements and losing excess weight.

Tectonic is considered a combination of hip-hop, techno, popping and electrodance, and includes movements with arms and legs, and jumping. The presented trends are not exclusively female. The division of dances is arbitrary and determined by the performer himself.

Popular destinations

New styles appear every day. It is important to understand that it is impossible to know all the names in the world and remember their descriptions. This is due to the rapid development of dance art.

Despite the significant diversity, all styles have character traits. Due to this feature, it is possible to give them a brief description.

The list of current areas includes:

  • Booty dance ( Booty Dance). Performers - female audience. The peculiarity is frankness and eroticism in the performance. Origins - ancient Africa. The creators of the performance technique are strippers from New Orleans. Includes rotations, kicks and figure eights with the hips, and vibration with the buttocks.
  • Divided into Hip rolling, Rump Shaking (Booty Shake), Twerk (Twerking). The requirements for a dancer are developed muscles of the buttocks and legs. The advantages of the course are working out the back muscles, improving the shape of the female body. Clothing requirements - comfortable shorts or leggings with an emphasis on the buttocks and thighs, sneakers, accessories.
  • Break Dance includes a low and high break. It is considered a combination of elements of hip-hop and DupStep music. The technical element is torque from any point of support, including on the head. Feature: increased risk of injury. There is an acrobatic variety.
  • Club dance is common name for many flows, includes the direction of straight and broken rhythm.
  • The flow of a straight rhythm - musical accompaniment from Techno, Disco House, Progressive, the flow of a broken rhythm - hip-hop, breaks, break beat, R&B.
  • Contemporary Dance. The basis is elements of choreography. It is a combination of flexibility and technical freedom.
  • C-walk. A special feature is jumping and active swings to the musical accompaniment of a direct rhythm. The difficulty is the lack of significant space for mass performance.

Let's list a few more existing varieties:

  • Dance Mix,
  • Dancehall,
  • Disco
  • Dub step (Dup Step),
  • Electric Boogie,
  • Electro (Electro),
  • Electrobit,
  • Electrodance,
  • Frame up strip,
  • Free style.

Important! For a detailed study of styles, in addition to the compiled list, it is recommended to watch videos. The undoubted advantage of video is the ability to observe dance moves in a frame-by-frame perspective.

Useful video

Let's sum it up

Dance is considered not only the language of the body, but also of the soul. The centuries-old history of its development has led to the emergence of many trends. The variety of styles and trends allows the performer to convey the entire spectrum of emotions and passions.

An art such as dance began to develop at the dawn of humanity. Primitive tribes had their own special ritual dances, which were an important part of their traditions and existence. Their descendants, who began to build the first states, turned these gestures into part of the sovereign symbols. Thus, the first types of dances appeared, which to a greater extent testified to the origin of man, his roots. Today people dance everywhere, and their movements are no longer limited by any boundaries determined by the state. Well, let's take a closer look at what types of dances exist in certain parts of the planet and how they become popular all over the world.

What is dance

This term refers to a type of art in which artistic images are conveyed through plastic and rhythmic body movements. Any dance is inextricably linked with a certain music that suits its style. During this “ritual”, certain positions of the person’s body, the figures that he can show, and transitions from one pose to another are very important. Considering what types of dances there are in our time, it is easy to assume that there are simply countless numbers of such figures and movements. That is why they are divided into categories, which largely depend on the place of origin of a particular dance, as well as on its other features (pairs, group, single, etc.).

The history of the origins of dance art

Even during the existence of primitive tribes, the earliest types of dances arose. They were given names depending on the emotions they accompanied. For example, a tribe might try to bring rain after a long drought, and for this purpose a special ritual was composed, during which people moved in a certain way. Through rhythmic body movements, they thanked their gods, welcomed the birth of children and saw off their deceased ancestors. As an art form, dance was founded in the period of antiquity. At this time, special choreographic performances dedicated to the gods began to appear in Greece and Rome. At the same time, the very first oriental types of dances developed in Babylon, Assyria, the Persian kingdom and other Asian countries. In the Middle Ages, this art found itself beyond the line of legality due to the spiritual views of mankind. But with the advent of the Renaissance, it began to develop and improve again. In the 16th century, a type of choreography called ballet appeared, which soon became a separate species art.

Classics and its variations

Professional dancers, learning this art from an early age, initially master classical dances. Their types depend on which program is taken as a basis - European or Latin. These two subgroups are united by good old classical choreography, which has much in common with ballet. The bottom line is that rehearsals take place precisely to classical music, the dancers perform stretches, study positions, plie, pique and other choreographic techniques. In the future, the quality of the dance will depend precisely on the purity and correctness of all these movements.

European program

  • Slow waltz. This golden classic dance, which is always accompanied by appropriate music in three quarters. For each beat, dancers take three steps, with the first being the main one, the second determining the angle of rotation, and the third being an auxiliary one, allowing the weight to be transferred to the other leg.
  • Tango. It was originally an Argentine folk dance, but later became incredibly popular all over the world and moved into the category of European classics. Its essence lies in the fact that two partners move energetically and rhythmically to the appropriate music (it is also called tango).
  • Viennese Waltz. This is a kind of analogy to a simple waltz, only it is danced a little faster and more energetically.
  • Foxtrot. It's fast and bright dance, which is performed both in pairs and in group mode. It was invented by Harry Fox (hence the name) in the early 20th century, and its popularity has not waned since then.
  • Quickstep. This is the fastest dance from the European classics. It is performed in 4/4 rhythm, and there are as many as 50 bars per minute. It takes years of practice and grueling training to dance the foxtrot properly. It is important that all movements look easy, relaxed, and performed with incredible precision.

Latin American program

Popular types of dances that today often go beyond the classics will be listed here. Based on them, a wide variety of variations are created to simplify the choreography and make these dances accessible to everyone.

  • Samba. Brazilian dance, which arose from the fusion of African and Portuguese traditions. It is danced in 2/4 time signature, with up to 54 bars per minute. In the classical version, it is performed to the beat of drums or other Latin percussion instruments.
  • Cha-cha-cha. Characterized by much slower choreography. The time signature is 4/4, there are 30 bars per minute. The dance is most popular in Cuba, where it originated in the 20s last century. Today it is included in the classical dance program.
  • Rumba. The slowest and most intimate dance, which is always performed in pairs. Accuracy is not important here, as in other types of choreography. It is only important that the partners’ poses are very beautiful, that they form unique figures, and at the same time, each of their movements should be as flexible as possible.
  • Paso Doble. This dance has its roots in Spanish bullfighting. Here the partner often portrays a bullfighter, and his partner - a cloak. The essence of the choreography is the double step (hence the name).
  • Jive. African-American choreography, which also arose in the 20th century and became widespread in the United States. Jive is danced in swing mode, but at the same time it is very different from its modern analogue of the same name. Time signature - 4/4, number of beats per minute - 44.

Ballet

All currently existing types of dance are based on ballet to one degree or another. This art officially separated from general choreography in the 17th century, when the first French ballet school. What are the features of ballet? Here the choreography is inextricably linked with the music and facial expressions of the performers. As a rule, each production has a specific script, which is why it is often called a mini-play. True, in some cases there are also “unscripted” ballets, where dancers simply demonstrate their incomparable and precise skills. Ballet is divided into three categories: romantic, classical and modern. The first is always a mini-play on a love theme ("Romeo and Juliet", "Carmen", etc.). The classic one can personify any plot (for example, “The Nutcracker”), but its important element is choreography based on acrobatics and excellent plasticity. Modern ballet includes different types of dances. There are elements of jive, Latin choreography, and classical music. A distinctive feature is that everyone dances in pointe shoes.

Modern choreography

Nowadays, modern types of dances are popular all over the world, regardless of traditions and religion. Their names are known to everyone, and at the same time almost everyone can learn to perform them. Such body movements do not require special stretching, preparation or natural plasticity. The main thing is to join the rhythm and become one with the music. Let us immediately note that all the dances that will be listed below are the basis for the so-called “club choreography”. These movements are quickly learned and mixed by modern youth, resulting in a unique mix that can be seen in any nightclub in any city in the world.

Modern dance

  • Tectonic. It arose in the 21st century on the basis of jumpstyle, hip-hop, popping, techno style, etc. Always dancing to fast electronic music.
  • Strip dance. This is the basis of any striptease, in other words, a dance that may involve further undressing. The essence lies in plastic movements, and also often in interaction with other objects. This is how the famous pool dance, lap dance, etc. were born.
  • Go go. Erotic dance that does not involve undressing. Aimed at entertaining the crowd in the club. May contain any plastic elements that will correspond to the playing music.
  • Hakka. A dance that originated in the Netherlands, in hardcore circles. His movements are based on music in this style.
  • Jumpstyle. The dance, based on jumping, is one of the few modern ones that is danced in pairs. But at the same time, it has a peculiarity - partners should not touch each other.
  • D'n'B Step. This is exclusively an attribute of the drum and bass style. Choreography always depends on the rhythm and tempo of the music.
  • Shuffle. The dance originated in Australia and is based on jazz. All movements, in particular the steps characteristic of this style, are performed to electronic fast music at a faster tempo.

Based on the plot of the movie “Step Up”...

After the first part of this wonderful film was released, young people actively began to study all kinds of street dances, which are characterized by freestyle and at the same time incredible plasticity and precision of movements. Let us list their main types, which have already become “street classics”:

  • Hip-hop. This is a whole cultural movement that originated in the 70s in New York among representatives of the working class. It covers not only unique choreography, but also slang, fashion, behavior and other areas of life. Within the hip-hop culture, there are a wide variety of dance types, more or less difficult to perform. This includes breaking, DJing, MCing, club hip-hop and much more.
  • Breakdancing, also called b-boying. Initially, it was part of hip-hop culture, and then, due to its uniqueness, it became a separate dance.
  • Crip Walk. A dance that originated in Los Angeles. Characterized by steps that are performed in the spirit of improvisation, at a very fast pace.
  • Popping. The dance is based on the rapid contraction and relaxation of muscles, due to which the human body shudders. It is important to observe certain positions and postures in which such movements look most impressive.

In the spirit of folk traditions

In every state, in addition to the flag and anthem, there is another, no less important attribute - dance. Each nation is characterized by its own movements, its own rhythms and tempos, which have developed historically. Based on the characteristics of the choreography, you can easily determine what nationality a person is and what country he represents. Such performances are performed mainly in a group, but there are some exceptions when only two partners perform. Now we will look at the types of folk dances that are the most popular all over the world. By the way, some of them became the basis of classical choreography, and some served as an excellent start for the development of street dancing.

Dances of the peoples of the world

  • Attan - official folk dance Afghanistan. It is also performed by many neighboring peoples in various variations.
  • Hopak - dance of the peoples of Ukraine. It is always performed in national costumes, in a very fast and energetic rhythm. It is characterized by jogging, squats, jumping and other active body movements.
  • Trepak is a native Russian dance, which is also common in Ukraine. It is always performed in a bipartite meter, and is accompanied by fractional steps and stamping.
  • Zika is a famous Chechen dance performed exclusively by men. As a rule, it is an accompanying element for important religious events.
  • Krakowiak is the most famous Polish dance. Performed in a fast rhythm, always with a straight back.
  • Round dance. A dance-game that was previously popular among many nations. The rules are different everywhere, but the point is that a huge number of people take part in the round dance.
  • Lezginka is the most famous choreographic performance in the Caucasus. It is danced by Chechens, Armenians, Georgians, Azerbaijanis and many other peoples.

Types of oriental dances

In the east, the art of dance had a completely different development than in the countries of Europe and America. Men here always performed group mini-performances that accompanied some important events. A woman's dance is a kind of sacrament. A wife can dance only for her husband, and alone. This choreographic culture has been widespread for centuries throughout Western Asia, but in each country it has its own characteristics. Therefore, now we will look at what types of dances exist in this or that Eastern state and how they are characteristic.

  • Turkish. They are always performed in bright costumes, accompanied by fast music. They are characterized by rhythmic movements, very high plasticity and even acrobatics.
  • Egyptian. This is the most modest oriental choreography. The costumes are restrained, as are the movements, and the music is slow and measured. There is no place for frivolous body movements in Egyptian dances - this is considered debauchery.
  • Arabic. This is real scope for improvisation and variation. If you know what types of dances there are in the East and how they are performed, you can put all the techniques and techniques together, and you will get an excellent performance in the Arabic style.
  • Lebanese. The most unique and unusual. They combine elements of Turkish and Egyptian choreography. Therefore, fast and rhythmic movements alternate with slow and measured ones. The action is also characterized by the use of foreign objects (cymbals, canes, etc.).
  • Persian dance consists of graceful movements that mainly involve the arms, head and long hair.

How did belly dancing come about?

Almost all women in the world dream of mastering this choreographic style, but only a few master it perfectly. Many attribute its origins to the Middle East, but in fact the dance originated in India. Even before the birth of Christ, this custom was transferred from their homeland by the gypsies to Egypt, where it became popular. They began to emerge there different kinds belly dancing, which soon spread throughout the Middle East. Well, let's look at which of them are now the most famous:

  • Dance with the snake. It requires a combination of flexibility and courage, as well as the ability to handle this animal.
  • Dance with fire. During the performance, torches, candles, lamps with essential oils and much more can be used that glorifies the cult of fire.
  • Dance with cymbals. This hand percussion instrument is a relative of the Spanish castanets. Performing rhythmic movements, the dancer accompanies herself.
  • Raqs el-Sharqi is a belly dance that involves the area from the navel to the hips.
  • Raqs el-Shamadam is a performance in which a woman dances with a candelabra on her head. Very popular in Egypt.

Types of sports dances

Sports dancing is a kind of analogue of classical ballroom choreography. The difference is that dancers are trained according to a more strict and intensive program, with special emphasis on stretching, precision of movements, and speed of their execution. An important component of any sports dance is not the beauty of the performance, but the technicality of performing all the movements. In general, this subgroup consists of choreographic productions known to us, among which there are standard European and Latin programs.

Conclusion

We looked at what types of dances exist in different countries, determined their styles and characteristics. As it turned out, every choreographic performance has its own tempo, rhythm, character of performance. Also, many dances cannot exist without facial expressions, certain costumes, style and even the mood of those who perform them. Therefore, if you are going to master this art, it is important to initially decide which style you like to dance in, and which one is most suitable for you in terms of capabilities and even the structural features of your figure. And in the future, for self-improvement, you will only need diligence and practice. Go for it!